Project Description

Create a geometric illustration of your favorite animal

ASSIGNMENT

Choose your favorite animal, and illustrate it in a stylized geometric poster design.

Get started by looking for other examples of the animal you’re illustrating. This will help you identify tricky parts of the figure. Find photos of different angles of the animal to help bring its defining features to light.

By “geometric illustration.” we’re referring to a simple shape-based style where complex organic shapes are reduced to more basic, symmetrical forms. We strongly recommend using rules to define minimum shape sizes, angles, and types of shapes. This will help your final illustration achieve a consistent look.

As you refine your illustration, take it to the next level with a pleasing color scheme and a style that conveys a feeling of personality. Remember, a good amount of trial and error will be required to determine what feels right — working with minimal shapes and maintaining recognition can be tricky to accomplish! But: we have faith in you. Good luck.

You’ll need pencils, paper, Adobe Illustrator (or other vector illustration software), and a camera or scanner to get your drawings onto the computer.

DELIVERABLE

Post your progress in the project gallery to get feedback from fellow students. A final project includes:

Our classes thrive on collaboration, so be sure to touch base with your fellow classmates for motivation and feedback!

RESOURCES

Download the sketch template below to help you get started.

People often ask us about the various illustration styles we use in our work. In this class, we’ve covered how to take complex, organic shapes and distill them into simpler, geometric forms. If you’re interested in learning more about our more detailed, half-toned style, check out our first two Skillshare classes: Rock Poster Design and Textures and Halftones for Screen Printing.